Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Practice
A nurse is preparing to administer potassium chloride IV to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent complications?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct action to prevent complications when administering potassium chloride IV is to infuse the medication slowly using an IV pump. Rapid administration of potassium chloride can lead to complications such as hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not promote the safe administration of potassium chloride. Administering the medication by IV bolus over 2 minutes is too rapid and can cause adverse effects. Adding the medication to an IV solution of D5W or diluting it in sterile water may not control the rate of administration, increasing the risk of complications.